Dhaka, April 12 -- As Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali calendar, approaches on 14 April, festive preparations are in full swing across the country. Traditionally celebrated with panta bhaat (watery rice), hilsa fish, onions, and green chillies, this year's festivities are being affected by a significant surge in hilsa prices in the capital's markets.

According to traders, the spike is due to limited supply caused by an ongoing ban on fishing in designated hilsa sanctuaries across various districts, including Barishal, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Bhola, Shariatpur, and Patuakhali.

On Monday (7 April), Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar announced Jatka Conservation Week, to be observed from 8 to 14 April. The initiative ...